Planning your wedding involves balancing tradition with your own personality. While classic staples like formal meals and tiered cakes are common, you might be looking for a unique way to surprise your guests. Hiring an ice cream van is a popular choice for this reason, offering a fun and nostalgic break from convention.
An ice cream van at your reception encourages guests to mingle outdoors and creates a relaxed atmosphere. It serves as both a charming visual and a crowd-pleasing dessert, whether you’re hosting a rustic outdoor event or a sophisticated garden party.
Why Choose an Ice Cream Van?
An ice cream van offers more than just novelty; it’s a refreshing treat that delights all ages. Kids enjoy the colourful options, while older guests can indulge in nostalgic classics. It’s a rare catering choice that pleases everyone from the flower girl to the groom’s grandfather.
Practically, an ice cream van is ideal for filling lull periods, such as the time between the ceremony and reception. Guests can enjoy a treat while the wedding party takes photos, which is especially thoughtful for keeping everyone cool at a summer wedding. The van also serves as a playful photo prop, creating candid, joyful memories.
Customization Options
Hiring a van doesn’t mean sticking to a standard menu—modern vendors offer plenty of personalization. Many let you choose flavors that match your taste or wedding color scheme, create a signature sundae named after the couple, or select toppings to complement the floral arrangements. For guests with dietary restrictions, most vendors provide dairy-free or vegan options, ensuring everyone can enjoy.
Customization often extends to the van itself. Vintage vans are stunning, but you can add personal touches like magnetic signs with your names and wedding date, or ribbons matching your bridesmaids’ dresses. Some couples even work with vendors to brand wafer discs or ice cream cups, turning the service into a seamless part of your wedding theme.
Logistics and Planning
Integrating a vehicle into your wedding requires early coordination with your venue. First, confirm that they permit external food trucks and that there is an accessible path to a flat, solid parking surface. This is particularly important for marquee weddings on soft ground, to prevent the van from sinking.
Technical details like power supply are also crucial. While many modern vans have internal generators, some vintage models may need an external power source to keep the freezers running. Discuss these needs with your vendor early on to avoid any technical issues on the day.
Finally, ensure your vendor provides their public liability insurance and hygiene certificates. Most venues require this documentation before allowing them on-site.
Budget Considerations
Hiring an ice cream van is often a cost-effective alternative to traditional dessert courses or late-night buffets. Pricing structures vary, but vendors typically charge a fixed hire fee plus a cost per head. Some offer all-inclusive packages for one to two hours, which is usually enough time to serve your guests without long queues.
To manage your budget, request a full cost breakdown from your vendor. Confirm if travel expenses are included, especially for out-of-county suppliers, and ask about surcharges for premium toppings. You might also find that weekday or off-peak dates have lower rates than a Saturday in August. Clear communication helps you add value to your day without overextending your finances.
A Memorable Addition
An ice cream van is a simple addition that delivers a significant impact. It breaks up the formality of the day, gets guests talking, and provides a sweet treat that everyone enjoys. If you want to create a relaxed, joyful atmosphere that guests will talk about long after the last scoop is served, this nostalgic touch is a perfect choice.